Credit score improvement tips

1. Pay all your credit cards on time :

- Your payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score. Even one late payment can drop your score, so always pay by the due date.

2. Keep your credit utilization low :

- Try to use no more than 30% of your credit limit on each card. For example, if your limit is $1,000, keep your balance under $300.

3. Pay down high balances :

- If your cards are maxed out or close to the limit, start paying them down as quickly as possible. Lower balances = higher score.

4. Avoid opening too many new cards at once :

- Every time you apply for a new credit card, it causes a “hard inquiry” which can lower your score temporarily. Space out applications.

5. Keep old credit accounts open :

- The age of your accounts matters. If you have an old card with no annual fee, keep it open to strengthen your credit history.

6. Ask for a credit limit increase (but don’t spend more) :

- A higher credit limit can improve your utilization rate — just make sure not to increase your spending.

7. Set up payment reminders or auto-pay :

- This helps you avoid missed payments and maintain a strong payment history.

8. Dispute any errors on your credit report :

- Check your credit report regularly and fix any mistakes that might be dragging your score down.

9. Use your credit cards regularly — but responsibly :

- Using your cards occasionally and paying them off in full each month shows positive activity and helps build your credit history.